A Week of Astoria Small Plates and Cocktails
For anyone wondering where to eat in Astoria, this sharp-eyed week balances starters, noodles and considered drinks with detours into neighboring Queens. The emphasis is on dishes worth noticing, rooms worth discussing and sensible first orders, not invented scarce releases.
🍽️ Monday, Start With Starters
For the hunter who prefers a first bite to a full production, VIDA makes a persuasive opening. The lobster mac and cheese shares the starter menu with Wagyu sliders and crab cakes. Order a starter first, take in the decorated room, and leave the steak decision for later.
🥟 Tuesday, Noodles Then Cocktails
A small-plate devotee can start at Sensei with gyoza and izakaya tapas, then walk toward Drinkology for a cocktail. The change from wood-paneled noodle house to softly lit bar gives the pairing its point. Ask about the spicy margarita after the noodles; the lobster guacamole is another option.
🍶 Wednesday, Broth And Rice Wine
For the drink-list reader, Susuru puts Japanese rice wines alongside ramen and craft beer. Start with gyoza before choosing a bowl; the chicken-cream broth and minimalist room make a quieter counterpoint to yesterday’s cocktail stop. The tantan ramen is an option if a richer bowl appeals.
🍵 Thursday, A Bistro Detour
The curious diner gets a change of register at Lately in Long Island City, beyond Astoria. Its fruit-purée matcha and fusion plates make the café-bar format useful when drinks and dinner both sound reasonable. Ask for the strawberry matcha first, then consider the Cajun pork belly.
🍹 Friday, Peruvian Table
Sunnyside is the wider-radius choice for a diner who wants a different kind of bistro table. At Bistro Punta Sal, Peruvian and Italian flavors set up a change from the previous day’s café-bar stop. Try the mixed ceviche first, then consider the spaghetti with huancaina sauce.
🎛️ Saturday, Read The Room
The Infamous in Long Island City suits a cocktail hunter with a tolerance for volume. The tiny room and playful drinks provide a contrast to the previous evening’s table; loud music can make conversation difficult. Consider the bourbon-and-mezcal Know the Ledge, and skip this stop if quiet is nonnegotiable.
🍚 Sunday, Thai Finish
End back in Astoria with Thai Niyom, a straightforward choice for a serious eater after a week of drinks and small plates. The crab fried rice and three-flavor red snapper give the table two distinct directions. Pick one first and add mango sticky rice if dessert still sounds necessary.
